Original subtitles

Are we there yet?

Hang in there, kids.

Mingliang, I'm a little scared.

Just hold on a bit longer.

Nana, don't be afraid. I'm here.

Hop on, I'll give you a lift.

Thank you.

Hurry, get in!

Nana, come on up!

Good thing it's okay.

We rescued an injured little crane.

Kids, that's a Crane of Courage.

Crane of Courage.

They're brave spirits of the plateau.

Each year, they face a tough migration.

Flying over Tianshan.

Flying over the Taklamakan Desert.

Flying over the Kunlun Mountains.

I'm Mingliang.

I grew up at the foot of Tianshan.

Mountains and desert

were the first colors on my canvas.

My dream is to let these colors

reach faraway places.

Uncle Mingliang,

you've been painting for a week.

Still not finished?

Feels like something's missing.

I just can't paint it.

That feeling that shook my soul.

Soul-shaking? I don't get it.

Uncle, your phone's vibrating.

Hello, Mom.

Finished painting.

Almost done.

You went to Lao Ma's workplace to paint.

You care, so your art has heart.

He can feel it.

Just don't lose track of time painting.

Or you'll miss the train again.

See you tonight, Mom.

My foster mother, Aisha.

She gave me a second chance at life.

With her busy hands,

she lifted my brush and my future.

She runs a restaurant in Urumqi.

Everyone working here

feels like family to me.

This is Murat, our head chef.

He watched over me growing up.

This is his son, Ankar.

Always inventing new dishes.

Bayar.

Bayar, our waitress.

She's like another mom to me.

Their love is like Tianshan's melting snow,

quietly flowing through my life's canvas.

Prune juice, for you.

Drink more, it's good for digestion.

Thank you.

Aisha.

When is Mingliang coming back?

Did you remind him?

I did, I did.

I'm worried he'll just keep painting

and forget about Lao Ma.

He hasn't left yet.

And he's already forgetting me.

Lao Ma.

Just as I thought...

When people leave, the tea cools.

But your tea is still piping hot.

Hard to forget, even if I try.

What do you mean?

This is my retirement gift from colleagues.

I'm leaving it at your restaurant.

Look, these flowers are beautiful.

But Bayar, you're the real rose here.

Who's beautiful?

Who's beautiful?

You are.

All beautiful, all beautiful.

Lao Ma, have a seat.

Your old spot, huh?

Alright.

Murat.

Hello, Lao Ma.

Hi, Uncle Ma.

Ankar.

Murat, Lao Ma's usual three.

A'isha's Pilaf, Tiger Salad, milk tea.

My muse

probably won't show up today.

Goodbye.

Fly, Tong Feng.

Home now, free at last.

Mire, you're back.

Fly, my dear girl.

With Tong Feng.

Cross the Kunlun Mountains and you win.

Do you feel empty inside?

As a child, I saved a Crane of Courage with a friend.

When we set it free,

he said the same thing to me.

What did you say to him?

It belongs to the sky,

not to me.

Nana.

That's beautifully said.

You know,

you're born for this job.

Your painting is pretty good.

Did you paint this?

No.

A friend gave it to me.

Let's go.

Come on, give it to me.

Thanks, bro.

You're just like Tong Feng.

You come and go like the wind.

Leaving so soon?

Ming, about what Dean Gao said—

Have you thought it over?

Thank him for me.

Tell him I appreciate his concern.

I'm not transferring for now.

But Dean Gao said—

If you don't transfer this time,

it might be hard later on.

Honestly,

I've been here for over ten years.

I've thought about leaving many times.

When my car fell into an ice pit,

I wanted to leave.

When that brown bear chased me all over,

I wanted to leave then too.

When my wife and kids called, I wanted to leave even more.

But it's strange—

Every time I think about leaving,

these mountains always find a way to keep me.

Last year,

I finally decided to leave.

Then I discovered Juan Mao Ju.

You found Juan Mao Ju?

Look—

Here.

Found it in the gravel.

It's a new plant record for Xinjiang.

Yes.

At first, you can't tell at all.

If you don't look closely, it looks like a rock.

But when it blooms—

It's so delicate.

Some even look like pineapples.

Yellowish.

I get it now.

You just can't let go.

Of your plant and animal friends.

You want to stay here forever.

To witness everything here.

Yes, I can't let go.

Go on, hurry.

It's getting late.

Leave early, you'll have more time on the road.

Alright, I'm heading out.

Okay.

Take care out there.

Don't worry.

Nana.

Chase the wind and moon, don't linger.

Beyond the flatlands, spring mountains await.

Good luck.

Lao Ma.

Do you know who Aisha invited to tomorrow's Aodelaxi?

Who did Aisha invite?

It's not Nana, is it?

Police.

Old cop.

Nothing gets past you.

It's been years

since I last saw Nana.

In my memory,

Nana is still that eight-year-old

little kid.

Back then, Nana and Liangliang—

just seven or eight years old.

Those two dared to hold hands

and walk toward the Kunlun Mountains.

Two kids,

so clever and mischievous.

Following strangers,

they even got on a train!

Luckily, I was patrolling the train.

I spotted those two kids.

I knew something was off.

I went over and scared them.

Nana started crying.

Liangliang tried to be a hero.

He pulled her behind him.

He stood up to me.

I grabbed one in each hand.

Took them to the duty room.

Sir, looks like that guy's tire blew out.

Should we go check it out?

Sure.

What's wrong with your car? Need help?

No, thanks.

Gulinar.

Liangliang.

It's me.

Bro, are we leaving or not?

Coming.

Your car needs to go soon.

Go on, hurry up.

Changing a tire is easy.

Just you?

I can do it alone.

Let me do it.

What's up?

You really think

I'd leave you here alone?

It's been so many years.

Who knows what you've become?

Three shows the child, seven shows the adult.

We grew up together till eight.

Let me do it.

The jack isn't working well.

Here, put it here.

I heard from Yueyue

you're a painter now.

Half a painter.

I heard from Yueyue

you two are colleagues now.

Both working at the wildlife rescue center.

That's great.

You've already fulfilled your childhood dream.

Tall build.

Delicate head shape.

Long limbs.

I meant earlier.

Junggar Bactrian Camel

Sorry, it's just a work habit.

But,

this description suits you too.

It actually fits you well.

You really haven't changed at all.

You always compare me to animals.

The last time we met

was before you left for school.

We can keep in touch more often.

Aren't you going to study abroad?

Did Yueyue say that again?

Yes.

She always talks about you.

I still don't know if I'll get accepted.

If I get accepted,

and go abroad,

we can still meet up.

Okay.

It's over ten hours to Urumqi.

I refunded my train ticket.

Let's take turns driving.

Me?

Yeah, I have something to do on the way.

You should take the train back.

Aisha is still waiting for you.

The train is faster.

Don't delay things at home.

Alright.

Teacher, when will you update?

Why hasn't the blogger updated?

Where did you go?

I've always followed your work.

Why no updates lately?

Tomorrow night is Lao Ma's farewell.

I'm home.

I'm still on the subway.

My mom must've made lots of food.

Come eat with us.

I can't.

I'm still working on promo materials.

I'm not as lucky as you.

Alright, see you tomorrow then.

Tomorrow is Lao Ma's Aodelaxi.

Someone unexpected will be there.

Who?

Come, come, come.

Put it right here, yes.

Mingliang is back.

Uncle Adili.

Hello, hello, hello!

Come, eat and drink well!

Mingliang is back.

You, I like your style!

Mom.

Mingliang.

Mingliang is back.

Beautiful Bayar.

Give me a hug, give me a hug.

Let me see.

You've tanned and lost weight.

Hurry, hurry, hurry!

You must be hungry.

I'm hungry.

Murat.

You're back.

Can you stay longer this time?

A week at most.

Tutoring classes have started.

I still have to teach the kids.

Pilaf with lots of meat.

That's too much, Bayar.

Not too much, not at all.

Eat up!

About your graduate program—

Did you get the admission letter?

No result yet.

But a couple days ago,

the foreign school's advisor

called me.

Asked about my intentions.

The advisor called you?

Sounds promising.

Not for sure yet.

In the end, the advisor said

my paintings lack a bit of soul.

Told me to keep searching.

Uh...

What... what soul?

Soul.

Soul.

What kind of soul?

Has anyone seen what a soul looks like?

It's like your cooking,

it has soul.

Painting needs soul too.

How about this—

Tomorrow morning,

go to the market with Murat.

Buy some veggies and meat.

Go out and see more.

Maybe you'll find it.

No need.

Mingliang just got back.

I'm not old and frail.

Just let him go.

That "soul" he mentioned—

It won't fall from the sky.

It won't grow from the ground.

You won't find it sitting here.

He needs to get out more.

Maybe he'll find it in a flash.

Your mom's right.

It's fresh.

One point five per kilo.

Can you make it cheaper?

Take a look at anything tasty.

How do you sell this, boss?

Unmarried lamb.

The meat is very tender.

See, just like me.

Wait, is this meat fatty?

It's all trimmed off.

Alright, alright, alright.

Mingliang likes it.

Mingliang likes it.

This month's revenue

after deducting material costs and losses

and staff salaries

we're still losing money

Aisha

Good thing this place is yours

Otherwise, who could handle it?

Here

Even though you're the boss

you can't always pay out of pocket

just to support us

When you renovated years ago

you spent almost all your savings

on it

Business hasn't been good these past two years

You keep putting money in

But it can't go on like this

This just won't work

The graduate school admission letter

Did you get it?

A professor from the foreign school

called me a few days ago

asked about my plans

If the professor called

it's pretty much set

Auntie, have some water

Thank you

Auntie

Our restaurant's food is honest and real

But too few people know about it

I have a client who does marketing

Maybe he could help promote us online

Business might pick up

No need to sell the place

I've run it for over thirty years

I want to slow down

I want to take a break

Back then

I had just come to Urumqi from my hometown

Work was unstable then

I couldn't even afford food

I ate a lot of free A'isha's Pilaf at your place

If you really sell the restaurant

I won't know where to eat

such delicious pilaf again

Come to my house

I'll make sure you eat your fill

Transfer fee is eighty thousand

Future rent is one hundred twenty thousand

Total is two hundred thousand

This is for Bayar and Murat

The future rent goes to Mingliang

so he can study abroad

Aisha Mom

Nana

Hello

Come, have a seat

Nana

Did you know?

Mingliang is back

We've met

On my way back from southern Xinjiang

he hitched a ride for part of the way

That kid

He didn't tell me

Maybe he thought there was nothing to say

After all, it's been years since we met

Everyone has their own life now

When you were kids, you talked about everything

But now you've grown up

and become distant

A single bird can't cross the snowy mountains

I hope you kids

can be like us

and look out for each other

Mingliang

Yueyue

Ankar

They're all your friends

Help each other

Fly together

Your dad and I are getting old

We'll always go before you

Did something happen?

Lao Ma

Is tonight's food all ready?

All set, all set

With me as the chef

you can all relax

You just can't help bragging

Hey, Gulinair

What's up?

Watch your mouth

Chili

What did you say?

Captain, captain

Captain

Amir

Amir

Aisha

I couldn't save the child's parents

This child deserves a bright future

Amir

Amir

I raised this child

How is it?

Aisha Mom is awake now

Her condition is stable

Mingliang

Come with me for a moment

Let Mingliang go first

Your mom has a brain tumor

It's near the brainstem

The tumor is pressing on her brain

causing brief unconsciousness

Okay, thank you doctor

Aisha Mom's illness

was found two months ago

She didn't want me to tell anyone

especially you

The tumor's location is tricky

Surgery is risky

Serious complications could happen

like long-term coma

or loss of body function

So she doesn't want surgery

She's been taking targeted medicine

Her condition is stable now

The tumor hasn't grown

But we still need to monitor it

Get regular checkups

Watch her closely day to day

for dizziness, headaches, or fainting

If any appear

get medical help right away

Mingliang

Mingliang

I'm just a fool.

I saw Aisha taking medicine from a pill box.

I asked her.

She told me it was vitamins.

And I believed her.

What do you think of me?

Why am I always so muddleheaded?

What kind of person am I?

Bayar's mom.

Murat's dad.

You two go back to the restaurant first.

Prepare as usual.

I'll stay here, it's fine.

What?

Still as usual?

Prepare for what?

At a time like this?

I'll call Lao Ma.

Cancel it.

You know my mom's personality.

She definitely wants Uncle Lao Ma

to return to Shanghai happy.

Not another person sad for her.

Liangliang is right.

Let's just follow

Aisha's wishes.

Bayar's mom.

Okay.

Alright.

Let's do it.

We'll make it beautiful.

Come on, Lao Mu, let's go.

We really owe you today.

You should head back and get busy.

Take care of yourself.

Don't worry.

No problem.

Bayar.

What's wrong?

It's nothing.

What kind of onions did you buy?

They're making my eyes water.

If you keep this up,

I'll cook without salt

from now on.

Alright, Yueyue.

Your mysterious boyfriend is reliable.

For tonight's farewell party,

he delivered the clothes at noon.

Not a minute late.

Didn't Nana say she'd come back to work overtime?

Yeah.

Did you finish your work?

I...

I get it.

I'll get back to work then.

Bye.

Why are you back again?

Nana.

Tong Feng is truly amazing.

Are colleagues still monitoring it over there?

Nana.

Your new dress is beautiful.

Why are your eyes swollen?

No, it's just windy and dusty outside.

Did you cry?

Tong Feng isn't doing well.

No.

Don't overthink it.

I'm heading to the station.

Hey, Mingliang.

Did Nana visit Aisha today?

Did you see her?

Nana.

Mingliang said to transfer the medical fee to you.

Please accept it.

So you know everything.

He won't let us go to the hospital.

He said

Aisha is afraid to disturb our work.

I wondered why she's been

always talking about childhood lately.

She regrets you didn't grow up with us.

She wants me to bring you to Hong Shiliu more often.

We should visit her more.

Okay.

What's wrong?

Bayar's mom said

the farewell party has started.

Come on, come on.

Everyone's sitting down eating watermelon.

Just sliced.

Come, Buli.

Come on, come on.

Lao Ma, please have a seat.

Look at this.

You set up such a big feast.

And came all the way back.

What can I even say?

It's what we should do.

Mingliang.

Uncle Ma.

We all prepared retirement gifts for you.

This one's from Mom.

How to make this pilaf,

I've written it all down for you.

When you return to Shanghai,

you can have authentic

A'isha's Pilaf.

You gave me your family recipe.

Aren't you afraid I'll steal your business?

If you open A'isha's Pilaf in Shanghai,

it'll be a big deal.

It'll be amazing.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Uncle Ma.

This one's from Gulinar.

Nana.

That's right.

Nana is really busy at work.

She was worried she couldn't make it.

So she sent her gift ahead of time.

Take a look.

I brought Xinjiang's four seasons

back to Shanghai.

When I miss you all,

I'll look at it.

Uncle Ma.

This is what I prepared for you.

This road

is the one you always traveled.

Mingliang.

You really understand Uncle Ma.

This road

I've traveled it for thirty years.

Now my train

has reached its station.

I really can't bear to leave.

Thank you, thank you.

No need to be polite.

Don't be sad.

Maybe we'll see each other in a few days.

Yes, for sure.

Uncle Ma.

Uncle Ma.

Lao Ma.

Look.

Who's the pretty girl next to Yueyue?

Nana

Congratulations on starting your new journey in life.

Thank you.

Child.

From now on, Uncle Lao Ma

won't be able to protect you anymore.

You two

better not get lost again.

Today is a joyful day.

Let's sing and dance!

Ailixier

Alright, yes, come on!

Friends, let's sing!

Mom.

Bayar's mom.

You should go dance too.

Murat, let's go.

Come on, Murat.

Let's go.

No crying.

Did you hear me?

Don't move.

Don't move.

If you dare cry today,

I'll draw every face you've made

while crying since you were little.

And show them at your wedding video.

Aisha, I'm here!

Professor Dario, this is Mingliang.

Thank you and your academy

for giving me this opportunity.

But after much thought,

I have to

choose to give it up.

For me,

this is a very difficult decision.

Thank you so much.

I...

If it were me,

I'd do the same.

I'll keep your secret.

I owe you one again.

I owe you too.

Ailixier

Let's sing a song together.

Alright, what do you want to sing?

Let's sing the happiest one.

Okay.

Let's sing together, alright?

You're really not going back to Beijing?

That's right, senior.

I'm planning to stay in Urumqi.

Mom.

What are you looking at?

Do you still remember?

One year, there was a strong wind.

It broke the branches over there.

There were many little pomegranates on them.

Yueyue hugged the pomegranates and cried and cried.

She asked us to glue the branches back together.

I remember Bayar's mom said

it couldn't be fixed.

She gave you all the little pomegranates.

But she cried even harder.

But later, new branches grew there.

And the pomegranates were especially sweet.

Back then, I thought

every ending

isn't really the end.

It's just a new way

for things to go on.

Mom.

You mean

this idea

I've been thinking about it for a while.

A few days' rest will be good.

When your body

is as rosy as a pomegranate flower,

I'll light the stove again.

Murat

It's not just a few days' closure.

I've already contacted Xiao Liu.

What's wrong, Aisha?

What are you really planning to do?